Winner of the 2022 Magical Valentine Award: Magician of the Year

Congratulations Carisa Hendrix, Miranda Allen and Richard Lee! 

From the March 16th Tweet by Carisa Hendrix:

Very honored to accept this award for the show I created with the incredible Miranda Allen and Richard Lee!

Thank you so much Vanish Magic Magazine and Remarkable Magic. https://t.co/6EDIag4WBf pic.twitter.com/WsHtmNUhpJ

— Carisa Hendrix (@CarisaHendrix) March 16, 2022

Tonight: The farewell Lucy Darling virtual show

The link to the show will be added to the Facebook post linked below.

 

From the August 27th Facebook post by Carisa Hendrix:

Big News!!! The farewell Lucy Darling virtual show will be streaming tomorrow on youtube at 7pm EST!!! And it's free! 

The link will be added to this thread tomorrow:)

 

 

 

 

 

An exceptional night in with Lucy Darling [May 29]

From the May 14th Facebook post by Carisa Hendrix:

Miss us?? We're back!!!! Saturday, May 29 6PM PST

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/a-special-evening-with-lucy-darling-tickets-154744485923

 

 

 

 

 

Une Soirée avec Lucy Darling [Feb 26 – 27]

February 26 – 27.

 

From the February 13th Facebook post by Miranda Allen:

Once more, but in French!

We are thrilled to be teaming up with L'UniThéâtre to offer two bilingual performances!

 

 

 

 

2020 Readers' Choice award results

 Thank you all for participating in the spirit in which the awards were intended:

a fun way to recognize and celebrate all of the wonderful things being done by the fabulous talent in our country.

Over 190 votes were cast in this "bragging rights" only contest.  You all have a lot of devoted fans!

Here are the results of our fifth annual "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!

 

Some general comments were submitted:

• "Regardless of who wins, I hope they are all considered for Allan Slaight awards."
   
  Excellent observation, I hope that our readers respond accordingly when Allan Slaight Award nominations open in the New Year!
    
  
• "They were all Fantastic," "Everyone is great!"
   
  
• "Thanks again for doing this... "
   
  You are very welcome!  Thank you for helping spread the word about Canada's wonderful talent!
  
  

 

 

Beacons of Inspiration (in alphabetical order by surname)

Gwyn Auger (aka The Magic Assistant)

Nominated by Jonathan I. who wrote:
"The bigger the magic, the more important all of the team players are, and when it comes to a magic community, the same definitely applies. For me, personally, when I returned to magic about 10 years ago, Gwyn kindly befriended me (not knowing who I was) and it’s been an important part of my ongoing journey through the art of magic. She’s been quite an ambassador for the art and is one of those glues that holds a community together—which is especially important during a time like this. So, I humbly nominate Gwyn for this recognition."

Editor's note:

• Gwyn was interviewed by Bruce Kalver last month, as part of the Backstage SAM Podcast series.
  

Website: Magician.org/member/magicassistant.

 

Comments from Gwyn's fans include:
- Gwyn Rocks!

Ryan Joyce and Graeme Reed (aka Graemazing)

Nominated by Ryan P. who wrote:
"They have been producing a ton of stuff, podcasts, tv shows, pizza parties and more all giving an opportunity for other Canadian magicians to perform and connect. The high quality standards of their production are certainly inspiring to me!"

Additionally, Graeme was nominated by Doug H. who wrote:
"He has not let COVID 19 interfere with his ability to present his magic. He has and continues to perform his excellent Magic in awesome creative ways - online. He is not only the most entertaining guy I know, he's Graemazing!"

Editor's note:

• In the early days of The Great Pause, Ryan and Graeme hosted Magicians Pizza Party events to help the community feel less isolated.
  
• Ryan started The Elora Fergus Podcast to foster a sense of community in that area.
  
• Graeme hosted a free virtual magic show over the summer.
  
• Since March, Ryan and Graeme have produced over 50 Magicians Talking Magic podcasts, including a series devoted to skills development during lockdown. 
  (Yesterday they released their 100th episode!)
  
• They had their first ever virtual OWOW Magic Festival, which boasted a Hallowe'en special featuring Nicholas Wallace, Joan Caesar, Graeme Reed, Mark Clearview, and Scott Hammell.
  

 

Website:  RyanJoyce.com and GraemeReedMagic.com.

Comments from Ryan and Graeme's fans include:
- These guys are amazing. Entertaining and creative.
- Graeme is great, but that Ryan guy is ...
  [Editor's note:  Ryan, cut that out!]

Magicana (David Ben and Julie Eng)
Nominated by Ben T. who wrote:
"My nomination this year is Magicana. Not only did they start the year off by helping curate the Art of Illusion exhibit at the AGO - which created all sorts of new magic fans - but they also mobilized quickly to set up the "Allan Slaight Magicians Relief Fund" to help magicians across Canada deal with the pandemic."
"Because of all that they've done for the community this year, I nominate Magicana!"

Editor's note:

• The Illusions: The Art of Magic exhibit at the AGO featured more than 55 colourful vintage posters from the Allan Slaight Collection, in addition to employing many local magicians.
• They handled the implementation and administration of the Allan Slaight Relief Fund, which helped to defray cost-of-living expenses incurred by professional Canadian magicians early in The Great Pause.
  
• Magicana also runs the annual Allan Slaight Awards which recognize excellence in magic.
  

 

Website:  Magicana.com

Comments from Magicana's fans include:
- The work this team puts together is essential to our magic community. They are truly keeping the spirit alive.
- that AGO thing was awesome for bringing magic to a multitude of muggles

Phil Pivnick (aka WonderPhil)
Nominated by Ian C. who wrote:

"Phil is already Toronto’s best family and children’s entertainer (A1 media) and has a 5 star rating on Google and YELP.  But apart from that he is truly a really nice guy. He’s recently started creating magic for sale to the magic community demonstrating his creativity.  He’s really helpful to anyone who asks.  Sitting down for a session with Phil is a roller coaster of ideas.  What if we do this, how about this or that move.  I’ve always been impressed with his business sense and it shows in his marketing and shows."

Editor's note:

• Phil is offering a free livestream magic show on December 13th.
  

Website: MagicInToronto.com

Romaine (aka Roman Szydlowski)

Nominated by Luiz C. who wrote:
"I nominate Romaine ( Roman Szydlowski).  He has been one of Canada's hidden talent for too long.  He shared stage with the best magicians, has been a mentor to many famous magicians and inspiration to thousands.  If you ever had a chance to sit down with him you know that you always learned something new from him."

Editor's note:

• To get a full appreciation for what Luiz hints at above, visit Romaine's biography at Genii Magazine.
  

Comments from Romaine's fans include:
- Best Canadian manipulator of all times.
- While Romaine is not as active in magic these days, and in poor health, this man deserves credit for his longevity and talent.

Editor's Choice

Alex Zander

Nominated by Shawn F. who wrote:
"I would like to nominate Alex Zander, who during this year has united magicians, not only in Canada but around the world by using the IBM JAM online to bring magic into the homes of all of us at no cost. For the first thirty days of the lock down we had a lecture every single day and now, eight months later the IBM JAM continues on a weekly basis to offer all magicians a way to connect. He gained nothing personally from doing this task and it taxed his free time greatly. It's inspiring to see the selfless acts of another in support of the greater good."

 

Editor's note:

• Alex, the youngest IBM President, finished his term with tough decisions to make about the IBM Convention.
  
• He was part of the organizing committee for this year's virtual PCAM.
  

 
Website: GottaBeMagic.com

Comments from Alex's fans include:
- Hope he wins! He’s worked so hard this whole year and has had many sleepless nights from working out all the tech issues and he deserves this!
- I have attended many of the IBM JAMs (lectured at one too) so I know the great value they've been in keeping the magic community connected when we can't connect in person. Alex even took time to virtually attend my magic club's first digital meeting back in April. He is a tireless worker for the greater good of magicians everywhere and I can't think of a more worthy recipient of the 2020 "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!
- He’s a kind a generous guy...helped me (a total stranger) get tix to the Magic Castle for my 50th for my best friend, mom and husband. It was so special. Thank you Alex!
- Amazing leadership at such a young age!
- A huge thank you for Alex organizing all the IBM JAMs!! Loved them, a great distraction from all the craziness.

 

Readers' Choice

Carisa Hendrix, Miranda Allen, and Richard Lee (aka Team Lucy Darling, The Star Ship Quarantine)
 
Nominated by Anonymous.

Congratulations to Carisa, Miranda, and Richard for winning the 2020 "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!

Keep up the great work!

Website: CarisaHendrix.com, MirandaAllen.ca, and NorthernLightTheatre.com/richard-lee-hsi/.

 

Comments from Carisa, Miranda, and Richard's fans include:
- To go from regularly performing all over the world to a consistent string of high quality online shows (with some runs lasting for months) is a phenomenal effort in these unprecedented times.
- They are absolutely wonderful!!!!
- I am beyond inspired by how these three built an amazing remote show while quarantined together, including building pieces of their set. I'm grateful for their existence!
- Sparkle and joy were in short supply till Lucy did her online show
- All nominees sound outstanding, but the level of professionalism, innovation, dedication, and prestidigitation that Team Lucy Darling puts into their performances is outstanding to say the least. They are the clear winners of this competition and I'd award it to them, not just for the great country of Canada, but arguably for the world as well.

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Holidays from the Darling Estate

Scroll to past the Happy Holidays video to see the details about their one time rebroadcast of their Holiday Show December 24th Time: 7pm EST / 4pm PST. Ticket price $10. 

 

From the December 21st Facebook post by Carisa Hendrix:

Vote now for the 2020 Readers' Choice Award

 

The nominations are closed and voting is now open for the fifth annual 2020 "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!

Take a moment to acknowledge that this has been an extraordinary year.  Many of you embraced new skills and a new performing landscape.  Some of you took on work outside of performing.  Some of you continue to struggle with the day-to-day.  No matter your situation, give yourself a pat on the back.  You've made it this far.  To paraphrase Tom Brady, you didn't come this far to only come this far.  You've got this!

Congratulations to everyone for inspiring someone(s) enough for them to submit your name!  (I'm always tempted at this point, to declare all of the nominees as winners and not bother with the voting part. However, a vote was promised and a vote there shall be.)

Voting will close on Wednesday, December the 23rd at 11:59pm EST.

To vote, scroll down to the bottom of this post and participate in the poll. (Click through the Google Forms link if the poll does not appear in your browser.)

Let's have a look at the nominees (listed in alphabetical order by surname):

Gwyn Auger (aka The Magic Assistant)

Nominated by Jonathan I. who wrote:
"The bigger the magic, the more important all of the team players are, and when it comes to a magic community, the same definitely applies. For me, personally, when I returned to magic about 10 years ago, Gwyn kindly befriended me (not knowing who I was) and it’s been an important part of my ongoing journey through the art of magic. She’s been quite an ambassador for the art and is one of those glues that holds a community together—which is especially important during a time like this. So, I humbly nominate Gwyn for this recognition."

Editor's note:

• Gwyn was interviewed by Bruce Kalver last month, as part of the Backstage SAM Podcast series.
  

Website: Magician.org/member/magicassistant.

Carisa Hendrix, Miranda Allen, and Richard Lee (aka Team Lucy Darling, The Star Ship Quarantine)

Nominated by Anonymous.
"They took the lockdown by storm. In their isolation they created a unique virtual performance that was simultaneously witty, creative and magical with a wicked blend of technology and Lucy Darling sass. Surely that counts as inspiration."

Editor's note:

• Carisa wrapped up the second season (and is co-founder) of Shezam, the feminist magic podcast that "hopes to make itself obsolete."
• In March, Miranda invited Carisa to stay with her and Richard for a couple of months.  They opened a window into their lives and their coping mechanisms (and entertaining antics) during the early days of The Big Pause, from The Star Ship Quarantine on Twitter. 
  
• Miranda did a fabulous escape on Fool Us (season 7, episode 4).
  
• Carisa was the recipient of the recipient of the 2019 AMA Stage Magician of the Year award and was featured on the May cover of Genii.
  
• Carisa also started up the Spark Creative Facebook group last spring in an effort to help keep people focused and creative.
  
• They offered free shows (May 15th live stream and Lucy Darling's Halloween Spooktacular Extravaganza), in addition to their widely acclaimed virtual shows. (Did I mentioned Neil Gaiman gave them a shout out on Twitter?)
  
  

Website: CarisaHendrix.com, MirandaAllen.ca, and NorthernLightTheatre.com/richard-lee-hsi/.

Ryan Joyce and Graeme Reed (aka Graemazing)

Nominated by Ryan P. who wrote:
"They have been producing a ton of stuff, podcasts, tv shows, pizza parties and more all giving an opportunity for other Canadian magicians to perform and connect. The high quality standards of their production are certainly inspiring to me!"

Additionally, Graeme was nominated by Doug H. who wrote:
"He has not let COVID 19 interfere with his ability to present his magic. He has and continues to perform his excellent Magic in awesome creative ways - online. He is not only the most entertaining guy I know, he's Graemazing!"

Editor's note:

• In the early days of The Great Pause, Ryan and Graeme hosted Magicians Pizza Party events to help the community feel less isolated.
  
• Ryan started The Elora Fergus Podcast to foster a sense of community in that area.
  
• Graeme hosted a free virtual magic show over the summer.
  
• Since March, Ryan and Graeme have produced over 50 Magicians Talking Magic podcasts, including a series devoted to skills development during lockdown. 
  (Yesterday they released their 100th episode!)
  
• They had their first ever virtual OWOW Magic Festival, which boasted a Hallowe'en special featuring Nicholas Wallace, Joan Caesar, Graeme Reed, Mark Clearview, and Scott Hammell.
  

 

Website:  RyanJoyce.com and GraemeReedMagic.com.

Magicana (David Ben and Julie Eng)
Nominated by Ben T. who wrote:
"My nomination this year is Magicana. Not only did they start the year off by helping curate the Art of Illusion exhibit at the AGO - which created all sorts of new magic fans - but they also mobilized quickly to set up the "Allan Slaight Magicians Relief Fund" to help magicians across Canada deal with the pandemic."
"Because of all that they've done for the community this year, I nominate Magicana!"

Editor's note:

• The Illusions: The Art of Magic exhibit at the AGO featured more than 55 colourful vintage posters from the Allan Slaight Collection, in addition to employing many local magicians.
• They handled the implementation and administration of the Allan Slaight Relief Fund, which helped to defray cost-of-living expenses incurred by professional Canadian magicians early in The Great Pause.
  
• Magicana also runs the annual Allan Slaight Awards which recognize excellence in magic.
  

 

Website:  Magicana.com

Phil Pivnick (aka WonderPhil)
Nominated by Ian C. who wrote:

"Phil is already Toronto’s best family and children’s entertainer (A1 media) and has a 5 star rating on Google and YELP.  But apart from that he is truly a really nice guy. He’s recently started creating magic for sale to the magic community demonstrating his creativity.  He’s really helpful to anyone who asks.  Sitting down for a session with Phil is a roller coaster of ideas.  What if we do this, how about this or that move.  I’ve always been impressed with his business sense and it shows in his marketing and shows."

Editor's note:

• Phil is offering a free livestream magic show on December 13th.
  

Website: MagicInToronto.com

Romaine (aka Roman Szydlowski)

Nominated by Luiz C. who wrote:
"I nominate Romaine ( Roman Szydlowski).  He has been one of Canada's hidden talent for too long.  He shared stage with the best magicians, has been a mentor to many famous magicians and inspiration to thousands.  If you ever had a chance to sit down with him you know that you always learned something new from him."

Editor's note:

• To get a full appreciation for what Luiz hints at above, visit Romaine's biography at Genii Magazine.
  

Alex Zander

Nominated by Shawn F. who wrote:
"I would like to nominate Alex Zander, who during this year has united magicians, not only in Canada but around the world by using the IBM JAM online to bring magic into the homes of all of us at no cost. For the first thirty days of the lock down we had a lecture every single day and now, eight months later the IBM JAM continues on a weekly basis to offer all magicians a way to connect. He gained nothing personally from doing this task and it taxed his free time greatly. It's inspiring to see the selfless acts of another in support of the greater good."

 

Editor's note:

• Alex, the youngest IBM President, finished his term with tough decisions to make about the IBM Convention.
  
• He was part of the organizing committee for this year's virtual PCAM.
  

 
Website: GottaBeMagic.com

 

 

Vote now!

In an effort to combat bots and spam, you are required to sign into a Google account before voting.  Your vote will not be shared.  Your email address will not be used for marketing.

 

 

  

 

 

Lucy Darling's Halloween Spooktacular Extravaganza

From the Lucy Darling's Halloween Spooktacular Extravaganza Facebook event:

31 Oct at 02:00 EDT – 1 Nov at 01:00 EDT 

Hosted by Lucy Darling - Award Winning Comedy Magician

The Halloween show is coming!!!!

The show is free to watch October 31st and will play twice, Once at midnight EST & once at at midnight PST!!!

This is our gift to you! Happy Halloween.

 

A Night in with Lucy Darling

A great chance to witness the charm and magic of Lucy Darling, the recipient of the 2019 AMA Stage Magician of the Year award! Shows for this run start September 25 until October 4th and are available at TheLucyDarling.com.

If her current show is half as much fun as her May 15th live stream, it will be excellent!

 

From The Lucy Darling:

“VERDICT: highly recommended for a very magical, entertaining and comical interlude to the current uncertain times. Be sure to (virtually) invite Lucy Darling into your home for refreshing hour of fun, magical entertainment.”

Lucy Darling is an award-winning magician known the world over for her wit, her charm, and her exceptionally good hair.

Along with her live-in butlers Marcy and Laurence, Lucy is here with a wonderful mix of playful interactions, hilarious comedy, and impossible magical feats, to offer you an incredible immersive experience. This show was carefully designed to satisfy your deep desire for a fun night out, while staying safely inside.

 

View this post on Instagram

We are really proud of how far we've come with this show. A mix of Papier-mâché, LED lights, corrugated plastic and literal garbage. Our little show that could. Get tix here https://www.thelucydarling.com/

A post shared by Carisa Hendrix & Lucy Darling (@carisahendrix) on Sep 11, 2020 at 1:34pm PDT

 

 

View this post on Instagram

If you liked our little infomercial spoof video for the show, here are some bloopers & deleted clips.

A post shared by Carisa Hendrix & Lucy Darling (@carisahendrix) on Sep 9, 2020 at 2:06pm PDT